Cape Town is really one of the most beautiful places in the world. The cities surrounding natural landscape makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a magical kingdom. Apparently Cape Town also has the cleanest air in the world so breathe in deep. My favourite sightseeing tour to do was the drive to The Cape of Good Hope. Every corner you turn will leave you speechless! I spent 4 days in Cape Town and stayed in a suburb called Waterkant that reminded me a bit of Surry Hills in Sydney, in terms of the architecture, cool boutiques and unique restaurants, except here you could see the waterfront and you were a 5 minute drive away from Table Mountain and the most amazing southern ocean drive.
What to See:
Table Mountain
The first two days were beautiful sunny days so I took advantage of outdoor activities. Take note of the weekly weather in advance because what you will be able to do depends a lot on the weather. There is no point going to Table Mountain when it is cloudy because you won’t see anything and the cable car will be closed, but when the sun is out, the view is out of this world! It feels like you’re in a fairy’s playground up above the clouds.
You can walk around the whole perimeter. Once you reach one end of the mountain you can choose to walk back the same way or choose a route that is more adrenaline pumping that takes you right to the edge of the cliff. They are no railings so you can’t walk there when it is wet or windy. On a nice day I recommend this route. It is so thrilling but just don’t be reckless and stick to the marked paths because you really are walking right on the edge, you wouldn’t want to slip! You can either walk up to the peak or take the cable car. I recommend the cable car because you get a 360 degree view and the floor moves in a circular motion so you see the view from every angle when you are ascending. Once you reach the peak you can walk the whole top which takes around 3 hours.
Burghers Walk at Boulders Beach
This ocean drive south of Cape Town is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Just 5 minutes from the picturesque and quaint Simons Town is Boulders Beach. Grey and white boulders rise from the crystal clear turquoise water. It will make you want to pretend to be a mermaid/merman and sit on the rocks looking out to sea. Your camera will definitely get a workout. The main attraction around this lovely boardwalk are the penguins. What started with just two penguins resulted in 3000 penguins.
Simons Town
This beautiful town is about 30km south of Cape Town on the way to The Cape of Good Hope. It is a small holiday beach town with unique boutiques, cute cafes and amazing seafood restaurants along the wharf. They have daily markets where you can pick up some handmade crafts and souvenirs and listen to buskers that will keep you entertained as you sit under the sun and take in the scenery. It really is a picture perfect town. Postcard worthy!
The Cape of Good Hope
The boardwalk to the Cape of Good Hope takes around 1.5hrs along the cliff face. Nestled amongst the cliffs there is the most beautiful beach with white sand and bright blue water. Nature flourishes untouched in this area. Along the way you will come across many baboons walking along the edge of the cliffs. The beauty of the vast ocean mixed with the surrounding greenery is really overwhelming. Take regular breaks, look out at the horizon and breath in the clean, fresh air.
Cape Point
Home to the lighthouse. Just when you thought you couldn’t reach a higher point you end up at these lookouts. I saw the steepest cliff face I have ever seen which was home to hundreds of nesting birds. Go to one of the lookouts, preferably the highest one and look straight ahead. Once you reach the end, grab onto the railing, close you eyes and then look down. When you open your eyes it’ll be a shock to the system. A good one though, you’ll definitely wake up!
Robin Island
I didn’t get a chance to go here because it was raining with high winds during the last two days I was here. If this is the case the ferries do not operate. Robin Island is where Nelson Mandela spent his time in prison. My advice is to check the weather at least 2 days before and book tickets to the island in advance.
Where to Eat:
Piano Bar
The area where I stayed was the suburb of Waterkant. Here there are a variety of local, quirky galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. One of the bars in this area is this classic jazz bar. Please go here, sit back, relax, order a glass of red wine and listen to the soulful music. They have different live musicians every night. Make sure you book at least a day in advance if you want a table. I recommend their gourmet lamb burger with roasted vegetables.
Mondiall
This French restaurant is located at the V&A Waterfront. A more sophisticated choice but the prices are still very reasonable. I recommend the goats cheese parcel with caramelised onions, roasted pumpkin and beetroot for a main and the salted dark chocolate tart for dessert.
Le Petit Tarte
Located in Waterkant, this adorable tea house serves up a hearty spinach, leek, dill and feta pie. Try their hazelnut café latte and then come back another time to try their impressive selection of tea with a carrot cake or their flourless chocolate cake.
Source @ctwithlove
Where to Shop:
Bakara
This bohemian boutique is in the heart of Waterkant and features unique, local handmade crafts. They have amazing leather products, beaded jewellery and one of a kind novelty items. My favourite thing in the store was their vintage posters. The nerd in me was really tempted to buy a selection of their TinTin comic book posters but I had no room in my luggage.
African Trading Post
If you are travelling around Africa and going to Cape Town save your souvenir shopping for this gigantic shop. It is three levels filled with handmade souvenir items. The must haves are their wood carved bangles, hand woven Zulu baskets, colourful dyed cushion covers and throws and wood carved African animal statues. The top floor is a gallery featuring works by local landscape and modern artists. Surrounding the building are impressive statues made of marble and metal.
Source @Panoramio
Just Cruizin’
My favourite clothing store in Waterkant. They sell simple, minimalist style clothing made with natural fibres.
Mediterraneo
For all the ladies, you must go here when you visit Simons Town. They sell comfortable, casual clothes made with natural materials such as organic cotton.
V&A Waterfont (aka Victoria Mall and Alfred Mall)
This mall complex has every store you could ever think of plus more. Go here on the rainy days. It is also really close to the Cape Town Museum. Alfred Mall features specialty stores, unique souvenir shops, independent galleries and jewellery shops that sell beautiful precious gems and sterling silver items. Also when you are at this complex see a movie or two if you have the time because it is so cheap! A regular 2D movie was only $3.50 and a 3D movie with VIP reclining seats was only $12. Perfect for a really stormy afternoon or night!
Tamara Jade Travels 